Things To Do
in Sweden
Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its dramatic natural landscapes, from archipelagos and forests to Arctic tundra in the north. It combines progressive cities with well-preserved historic towns, innovative design, and a strong café culture. Outdoor life, cycling, and an emphasis on sustainability shape daily life, while long summer days and polar nights in winter create striking seasonal contrasts.
Sweden is safe, well-organized, and easy to navigate for international visitors, with excellent public services and broad English proficiency.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Stockholm and check into your hotel located in the quaint Gamla Stan (Old Town) area. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy the charming architecture. Stop by a local café for a traditional Swedish breakfast of kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and coffee.
After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe. Explore the fascinating museums within, including the Royal Armory that showcases Sweden’s royal history. Finish your afternoon at the nearby Stockholm Cathedral, admiring its stunning interior and art.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Gamla Stan waterfront, savoring classic Swedish cuisine. Afterward, take a relaxing evening stroll along the river and capture the beautiful city lights reflecting on the water. Note the vibrant nightlife and perhaps pop into a local bar for a drink.
Start your day at the Vasa Museum, home to a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage. The impressive artifact is a must-see, and you can learn about its history through engaging exhibits. Don’t forget to grab a coffee from the museum café afterwards.
Head to Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum, where you can wander through historical buildings and see traditional crafts. Interact with animals native to Sweden, such as moose and reindeer, while enjoying the scenic views of the city from the hilltop. This immersive experience will bring you closer to Swedish culture and heritage.
Wind down the day with dinner at a cozy restaurant in Södermalm, known for its trendy vibe and culinary delights. Sample modern Nordic dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Complete your evening at a rooftop bar, sipping cocktails while soaking in panoramic views of Stockholm.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (cafe) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-180 |
| 🚕Taxi starting fare | $4-8 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly per person) | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High safety and excellent public services
- Stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities
- Well-preserved historic cities with modern design and culture
- High English proficiency makes travel easy for international visitors
- Higher prices compared to many European countries
- Short daylight hours in winter, especially in the north
- Remote northern areas require planning and preparedness
- Some services and shops close early on Sundays or evenings outside cities
- "Hej" - Hello
- "Tack" - Thank you
- "Ursäkta, var är toaletten?" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "Jag förstår inte" - I don't understand
- "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?
- "Kan jag få notan, tack?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Sweden
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobblestone alleys, colorful facades and the Royal Palace create classic Nordic cityscapes—best in morning or blue hour for soft light.
Granite skerries, red wooden boathouses and endless water vistas—ideal for sunrise, long-exposure seascapes and intimate village portraits.
One of the best places to photograph the Northern Lights and stark Arctic landscapes; summer brings midnight sun photography opportunities.
Mountainous panoramas, alpine lakes and dramatic hiking routes—great for wide-angle landscape shots and wildlife.
Quaint wooden houses, cobbled streets and cozy cafes provide atmospheric street photography scenes.
Food in Sweden
Sweden Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small spiced meatballs served with cream sauce, lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes; widely available in restaurants and cafes, from traditional eateries to modern bistros.
Must-Try!
Cured salmon with dill and mustard-dill sauce, often served on crispbread or open sandwiches—find it at markets, seafood restaurants and breakfast buffets.
Generous open-faced sandwich piled with cold shrimp, mayonnaise and lemon—classic in cafes and seaside towns.
Fermented Baltic herring with a strong aroma, traditionally eaten in the north; try it only if you're adventurous and preferably at organized tastings.
Cinnamon and cardamom buns that accompany coffee breaks—available at every bakery and cafe.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic indoor food hall offering high-quality seafood, meats, cheeses and prepared dishes—great for sampling gravlax, salmon, and local delicacies.
Outdoor market stalls selling fresh produce, fish and quick street bites; nearby cinemas and concert halls make it a lively spot.
Iconic fish market offering the best of West Coast seafood—ideal for tasting oysters, smoked salmon and shrimp sandwiches.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swedes value personal space and quiet public behavior; punctuality is important for meetings and social plans—arrive on time.
Respect orderly lines and egalitarian norms; pushing ahead or loud bargaining is frowned upon.
Removing shoes in private homes is common—follow the host’s lead and offer to remove yours if unsure.
Communication is typically direct but polite; avoid overly personal questions early on and respect modesty in dress and conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Sweden
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is common, while cafe and bar service rarely require tipping. Taxis may be rounded up, and hotel porters receive small tips for help with luggage.
Cards are widely accepted and contactless payments (Swish mobile payments and cards) are common; cash is less used but still accepted in some rural areas—carry small bills if visiting remote locations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours and the midnight sun in the far north make it ideal for hiking, boating and festivals; expect mild to warm temperatures and crowded tourist hotspots in July.
Crisp air, vibrant fall foliage and fewer tourists—good for city trips and forest walks; prepare for shorter days and occasional rain.
Cold temperatures, snow in much of the country and polar nights in the north; great for winter sports and Northern Lights viewing, but pack warm layers and be mindful of limited daylight.
Melting snow, budding nature and rising daylight with unpredictable weather—ideal for lower-season advantages and seeing Sweden wake up after winter.
Sweden at Night
Hiking in Sweden
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Classic long-distance trail in Lapland running through wild, remote terrain—sections are suitable for multi-day treks with huts and shelter systems.
Network of trails near Stockholm passing forests, lakes and small villages; accessible for day hikes and weekend trips.
Trail system in southern Sweden offering coastal walks, beech forests and varied terrain appropriate for all fitness levels.
Trails near Abisko National Park provide dramatic mountain scenery and prime Northern Lights viewing spots during winter.
Airports
How to reach Sweden by plane.
Sweden’s largest international airport, 40 km north of central Stockholm with frequent train (Arlanda Express), regional rail and bus connections to the city.
Main airport for western Sweden, about 25 km from Gothenburg with shuttle buses and taxis linking to the city center.
Serves southern Sweden and is close to Copenhagen via the Öresund Bridge; regional flights and ground connections to Malmö city are available.
Gateway to Swedish Lapland for northern adventures and Northern Lights tours; limited flights and ground transfers to local towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Concentrated in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, working in tech, finance, education and creative industries with diverse international communities.
Rural Sweden includes farmers, coastal fishing communities and indigenous Sami people in the far north with distinct cultural heritage and livelihoods.
Sweden hosts a sizable student population at major universities, contributing to youthful neighborhoods and cultural events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of the most popular team sports with passionate fans and strong national and club leagues; many towns have local rinks and youth programs.
Widely played and followed across the country with professional leagues and community teams in most towns.
A national pastime in winter, with extensive groomed trails and strong participation across age groups.
A fast-paced indoor stick sport very popular in Sweden, played recreationally and competitively.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in cities with dedicated vegetarian dishes and many restaurants offering plant-based menus; ask for 'vegetarisk' or 'vegansk' for vegan options.
Most eateries can accommodate basic allergies—carry ingredient cards in Swedish for severe allergies and check menus online; supermarkets have good vegan product ranges.
Major cities have halal and kosher options, but outside urban centers choices are limited—research or contact restaurants ahead of time.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sweden.